Valley Families: A Weekend Packed with Festivals, Halloween Fun, and Cultural experiences
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This weekend in the Phoenix metropolitan area offers a diverse range of activities for families, from spooky Halloween events to vibrant cultural festivals and engaging educational experiences.
From now through October 31st, families can immerse themselves in the Halloween spirit at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona in Tempe with Brick-or-Treat: Monster Party. The event features LEGO Monsters, exclusive activities, and a 4D Halloween movie. Admission starts at $23, and the attraction is open from 10 a.m.to 5 p.m. at 5000 S Arizona Mills Cir STE 135.
Celebrating Culture and Community
The Valley’s cultural scene is thriving this weekend. The 9th Annual Bulgarian Folklore Festival takes place October 17th and 18th at the Phoenix Center for the Arts (1202 N 3rd Street). Attendees can experience Bulgarian culture through music, dance, traditional instruments, workshops, and artisan vendors. The festival runs from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.on Saturday,with an admission fee of $15.
For book enthusiasts, the 4th Annual Desert Foothills Book Festival in Scottsdale on October 18th offers a chance to meet award-winning authors and get signed copies. The festival, located at 34250 N 60th Street, runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is free to attend.
Festivals of Light and Gems
Tempe will host a festivity of Diwali – Festival of Lights on October 18th, hosted by Kyrene Del Norte elementary school and the City of Tempe. Tempe Mayor Corey Woods will be the guest of honor. The event, held at Kyrene Del Norte School (1305 E Redfield Rd) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., will feature food, henna, face painting, and performances by Desi Dance Fitness and Noopur AZ. Admission is free.
Heading north? The annual Sedona Gem & Mineral Show returns October 18th and 19th at 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Rd. Visitors can browse dazzling crystals, fossils, jewelry, and more. The show is open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $5 cash only; children 12 and under are free.
Family Fun and Artistic Exploration
Scottsdale Civic Center will be the site of the scottsdale Fall Festival on October 18th, offering a free, family-kind event with a live band, DJ, cocktail garden, Trick-or-Treat Alley, a pumpkin patch, and carnival games. The festival runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.at 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd.
Families in Glendale can participate in a Trunk-or-Treat Festival on October 18th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 5220 W Bell Road. The event supports a good cause and encourages attendees to bring canned food donations.
The Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix (4725 E Mayo Blvd) will host an exploration of Spanish culture October 18th and 19th, featuring music, dance, workshops, and cultural talks.The event is included with museum admission and is free for members.
Pop Culture and Cosplay
For fans of anime and voice acting, UWU Con returns to the Mesa Convention Center (263 N Center Street) from October 17th to 19th. This year’s event features voice actors from the Netflix film K-Pop Demon Hunters and SpongeBob SquarePants’ Tom Kenny. Single-day passes start at $30, with weekend passes also available. note that voice actor signatures require a separate fee.
With such a diverse array of options, families in the Phoenix area are sure to find something to enjoy this weekend.
